Review: Superman & Lois 2×07 – “Anti-Hero”
[Editor’s note: This review may contain spoilers!]
Director: Elizabeth Henstridge
Writers: Max Cunningham, Michael Narducci, Julianna James, Katie Aldrin, Jai Jamison, Andrew N. Wong, Adam Mallinger
Starring: Tyler Hoechlin, Elizabeth Tulloch, Jordan Elsass, Alex Garfin, Adam Rayner, Samantha Di Francesco
Reviewed by: Steven Brown
Summary
Imprisoned in the same cell as his brother Tal-Rho, Superman is continually questioned by Anderson about Bizarro’s location. Meanwhile, Jonathan’s X-Kryptonite use finally comes to light, with disastrous consequences.
Positives
Weakened thanks to the red sun prison by Anderson, Superman is stuck in the same cell as his brother Tal-Rho. It seems that the two have a small bonding moment, but once again Tal-Rho reminds us just why he’s there in the first place. Anderson is determined to know Bizarro’s location and uses Tal-Rho as an unwilling bargaining chip. Superman gives up Bizarro’s location or so we think, and Anderson sends his soldiers in pursuit of the monster. When Superman’s location is revealed to be a lie, Anderson feels betrayed by Superman and goes to drastic steps to get revenge.
Negatives
Johnathan’s repeated use of X-Kryptonite comes back to haunt him. When the authorities find out about the use of the chemical at school, police swarm in to look into the lockers. Candice, Johnathan’s girlfriend is actually the supplier for the entire school. In a desperate effort, she begs Johnathan to take the remaining canisters off of her and he agrees. I was so angry at Johnathan for agreeing to help Candice, and even more angry when he refused to give her name to the authorities. With his trust broken amongst his peers and especially his parents, I was shocked Johnathan still refused to turn Candice in. With Clark distracted by the events of Bizarro, I give Lois credit for holding down an entire household in complete disarray on her own.
Anderson makes matters worse when he breaks into a facility to steal X-Kryptonite for himself. He uses this to confront Bizarro for revenge. Beating Superman almost to the point of death, I was surprised when Tal-Rho intervened to save the Man of Steel’s life. Superman immediately takes steps to save his brother, while a now free Bizarro keeps Anderson distracted. Fueled by anger and the X-kryptonite, Anderson kills Bizarro and leaves his lifeless body on the ground. Now wanted by the government and Superman, Anderson turns to one person who can give him the help he needs to destroy Superman–Ally Alston.
Verdict
Superman & Lois 2×07 was a great episode on so many levels. Although Clark as Superman had so many issues to deal with in this episode, I really thought Lois Lane shined here. Her authority as a parent showed brilliantly, and she really held her own in the situation without Clark by her side. Johnathan has a long way to redemption, but it’s possible. The same can be said for Tal-Rho as well, who I hope to see more of in future episodes, especially after these events.
